What Is a Dental Deep Cleaning?

For many patients, a dental deep cleaning is necessary at some point in their lives. However, there is often confusion regarding this treatment and how it differs from a typical cleaning. Routine dental cleanings are for the teeth at the gum line and above. While standard cleanings are supposed to be part of a preventative maintenance routine, patients obtain a deep cleaning to stop gum disease from progressing. The following details what a deep cleaning is and why it is vital. 

Dental deep cleaning procedure

A dental deep cleaning, often referred to as periodontal scaling and root planing, is a treatment that cleans the teeth and gums in-depth and focuses on the outer part of the roots as well as deep below the gumline. In the procedure, scaling is done first; this involves the scraping and removal of tartar and bacteria above and below the gumline. The second part involves root planing, which is when the dentist smooths the roots to prevent bacteria and plaque buildup and help the gums reattach to the teeth. The procedure may take two visits to complete. A deep cleaning may result in swollen and tender gums as well as teeth sensitivity in the first week after the procedure. 

Why is the treatment necessary?

Deep cleanings are an important part of the treatment of periodontal diseases. When patients have developed gum disease, scaling and root planing are pertinent to help remove the buildup of bacteria and calculus that have occurred and to stop the condition from advancing.  

Periodontal diseases are treatable but need to be addressed by a dentist as soon as possible. The procedure of scaling and root planing has the ability to clear up gingivitis and prevent a patient from progressing into periodontitis, the more severe and irreversible form of gum disease. There are many complications that can emerge from periodontal diseases, such as loose teeth and the loss of bones in the jaw. If left untreated, the condition can affect a patient’s overall health by causing serious issues, such as heart disease. 

What is the difference between deep cleaning and regular cleaning?

A dental deep cleaning is a more intensive process. In this procedure, a dentist removes tartar and bacteria from the teeth and deep within the gums. A patient who has periodontal disease must have scaling and root planing done first, as a routine cleaning can be dangerous. This is because a typical cleaning can disturb the bacteria in the mouth and may result in it being released into the bloodstream and spreading throughout the body. 

A routine cleaning is done to polish the teeth and remove surface plaque and buildup at and above the gum line. It is typically done twice a year to maintain proper oral health as well as to prevent the development of gingivitis and periodontitis.

Frequently Asked Questions

When it comes to deep dental cleanings, some people have reservations about having them. The more you know about deep cleanings, the more likely you will make an educated and thoughtful decision.

Can deep cleanings cause loose teeth?

A common misconception about deep cleanings is that the cleaning can result in loose teeth. The misconception occurs when people notice loose teeth following the cleaning. The reality is that tartar can splint teeth together and when you remove the build-up, the tooth becomes less stable. The tooth feels loose after the cleaning, but the cleaning only exposed the lack of stability.

Do professionals finish deep cleanings in one visit?

Most of the time, you will complete your deep cleaning within a few visits. While you can complete the cleaning in one visit, most dental professionals will discourage you from speeding through the process. It is easier for patients to sit through the procedure on one side of the mouth. Likewise, if you have a dirty side and a clean side, you can learn how to identify what your teeth should feel like.

Do deep cleanings help with bad breath?

Most of the time, bad breath occurs because of bacteria in the mouth. Periodontal disease is a chronic infection that causes bacteria to grow in deep gum pockets. The cleaning reduces the number of bacteria and alleviates bad breath.

Conclusion

A dental deep cleaning is a type of procedure performed to treat patients who have developed gum disease. During root planing, the dental professional uses special techniques to remove bacteria, tartar and plaque below the gum line. It is important to have a scaling and root planing done to help manage periodontal disease and protect a patient’s oral health, as well as their overall health.

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